NWgirl

have you tried making fruit smoothies with some added protein? I also was thinking about making an orange cream "ice cream" with Jay Robb's Orange dreamsicle powder....

I have been overweight since about third grade and was around size 16-18 in high school. I have never been smaller, so I am unsure of what I will look like. I know I have a good figure, but other than that it's really unpredictable. I am worried about the life that comes along with being thinner- I've been with the same handsome man since I was 16, so he's loved me close to my smallest and at my large, but I don't know how to deal with attention or take compliments well... It will be a learning curve. I've gone down a few clothing sizes since being banded, and even though I'm wearing my new pants, I keep finding I am wearing my old, too big shirts because they are more comfortable to me, which I think has something to do with my need to "hide" myself.

I also use milk of magnesia when necessary. I know that since you're freshly post-op you are probably on a liquid diet right now, but I found if I have a 100 calorie bag of popcorn a day, I also go regularly. I do fiber gummies too. I guess I'd rather have constipation issues than fat issues

Sounds like you are doing great! Congratulations and keep up the awesome work

Even though I've only lost about half of what I need to, I already am having the same feelings. I was making a scrapbook last week for my honey and aside from not having too many "event" photos for the last two years, the ones I was in were terrible. I saw my photos from my birthday last year and couldn't believe I was so BIG. Even though I am ashamed of how big I got, I put those photos in there as a reminder of who I was then. I also didn't want to discount that the events themselves were wonderful, but I was ultimately embarrassed looking at myself. Like you, I wondered how the heck my honey could love me at that weight and how nobody said anything to me. Also, I can't believe that I thought I looked good in those pictures???! A couple weeks before my surgery, my mom had me sort through some things she still had at her house. I ended up coming across a bin of clothing from when I was probably 15/16 and could not believe I was wearing 12's and 14's. I look back now and wonder why I hated my body so much. I now have a real appreciation for my size and the work it takes to get back going in the right direction.

looks like you're about a few weeks out of surgery according to your profile, so what's happening is that the swelling from surgery has probably dissipated and now you are hungry again. This is absolutely normal, so don't be worried

I got the gas shoulder/neck pain about 4 days post-op and it lasted for about a week. It seemed to get really irritated if I was working, but if I sat still or used a heating pad it felt better.

Nice to know you have someone along for the ride I have been surrounded by super supportive people my whole journey, so I feel extremely lucky. This past week has been a mental hunger game for me, but I'm not letting it derail me.

Probably because you have to pulverize the crouton and when you are eating the salad alone, you may not chew as well...

Nice to see another NW face! Are you from Seattle, or did you just go there for surgery? I'm glad you're doing well I got my band done in Portland, but have suggested to a few on here to look into Swedish Medical Center because the cost seemed significantly lower than for-profit places, esp if you're self pay.

I usually do a handful- I would guess it's about 1 cup. I usually also do 3-4 ounces of meat.

I'd start calling around and asking. Just call sales and ask if they cover pre-existing bariatric WLS treatment.

I really haven't had pizza since being banded, although I am not purposefully avoiding it. I am fine with most foods as far as eating goes (no cheap or fried doughy breads), so I would imagine I could eat thin crust pizza... My nutritionist is of the idea that there are no "bad" foods, just foods to consume in moderation vs ones you should eat all of the time.

1. To be able to buy clothing from any store without shopping in the ugly or overpriced plus sections. 2. A lot more outdoor activities 3. Not feel embarrassed about what I look like

I did not have a hernia repair, but experienced serious left shoulder/neck gas pains from about day 4 to 8 or 9. I used a heating pad and walked a lot, but I think it's one of those things the body has to get rid of at its own pace (unfortunately).

When you are dehydrated, your body loses necessary water weight. You've probably just regained the normal amount of liquid your body needs.

Most companies will probably require a year period to add you due to the surgery. If you or the husband is employed by a company that offers insurance with bariatric coverage, it would hopefully be effective immediately...

Different people burn different amounts, varying on height, age, sex, intensity of exercise, elevation, etc.

I have Anthem BCBS and was just required to provide a list of diets/weight loss for insurance. My surgeon required metabolic testing, sleep study, blood tests, nutritional appt, physical therapist appt, nurse practitioner appt, and psychological appt before I could even MEET the surgeon. I am also 23 and was banded in March. I am happy with my choice, although I am now in a slump dealing with mental eating issues. I have gone from a tight 22 to a 16 since surgery and have lost about 25-30 pounds post-op. It really is the greatest gift I could have given myself!

I think that if you both want it, then it's more than doable. I just want to stress not pushing your partner to a decision they are not ready to make. Some need more time to really think about it.

I second the above recommendation.

I used pre-op diet as a game to see how much weight I could lose prior to surgery. If you feel the need to chew, find some ice cubes. You can also blend shakes with cubes to get a thicker texture, or use sugar free syrups to change the taste.

Insurance companies have 30 days to respond to pre-authorization requests. It seems that most get approval in two weeks or so. If you have a case manager through the insurance company, you should call them. You also have to realize that BCBS is operated under many different names and states, so some people posting saying they got their approval in two days probably have a different kind of insurance or more severe health problems.

I have read other posts from pregnant ladies, and some unfill and some do not. I think as long as you get the right nutrition, you should be fine to stay filled. If you struggle to consume enough for you and the baby, then you should really unfill.

I have the card but don't use it. Frankly, I'd rather pay a couple extra dollars than deal with the strange and judgemental looks. I hear chain restaurants usually honor the cards though.